Newswise — Sexual assault is one of the most under-reported crimes. According to Statistics Canada, fewer than 10% of sexual assaults are reported to the police. Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) experts are available to discuss the health implications of violence in light of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6.
The CIHR Institute of Gender and Health currently supports more than 100 researchers and graduate students on the topic of violence.
"Their studies identify groups at risk of violence and the factors that influence this behaviour. The studies also analyze the effects on the victims," said Dr. Miriam Stewart, Scientific Director for CIHR Institute of Gender and Health. "The research helps better inform strategies for prevention and intervention."
Here are a few examples of CIHR-funded research:
"¢ Computer-assisted program to detect victims of abuse: Dr. Farah Ahmad from St-Michael's Hospital in Toronto is leading the development of a computer-assisted intimate partner violence screening that may offer an effective and timely way to detect victims of abuse.
"¢ Mothers and children exposed to partner violence: Dr. Nicole Letourneau from the University of New Brunswick has launched a first-of-its-kind study into the relationship between mothers and children who have been exposed to partner violence. The study involves 90 mothers and their children, and 90 service providers. Dr. Letourneau was named Canada's Premier Young Researcher by CIHR this November 22 in Ottawa.
"¢ Abuse in same-sex relationships: Dr. Janice Ristock from the University of Manitoba worked with local community organizations in 6 Canadian cities to bring together the experiences of women who had been abused in their same-sex relationships. She is the author of the book No more secrets: Violence in lesbian relationships.
Dr. Miriam Stewart, Scientific Director for CIHR Institute of Gender and Health, is available to comment on the health risks of abused women. The CIHR-funded researchers are also available for interviews.
CIHR's Institute of Gender and Health is the first research institute in the world to examine the health of women and girls, men and boys. It champions efforts to better understand how sex and gender influence access to the health system, chronic conditions, disabilities, health across the lifespan, health behaviour, addictions and environmental determinants of health. http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Ce document est également disponible en français.
RSS